When choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan for your business, understanding the key differences between E3 Vs Business Premium is crucial. Both plans offer powerful features, but they cater to different business needs. In this article, we’ll dive into a comparison of E3 and Business Premium, exploring their core features, pricing, and benefits to help you make the best decision for your organization.
What is Microsoft 365 E3?
Microsoft 365 E3 is a comprehensive enterprise-level subscription plan designed for larger organizations or those needing advanced features for enterprise-grade management and security. It provides users with a wide range of tools to increase productivity, collaboration, and data security, including Office apps, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. E3 also offers advanced compliance features, as well as data loss prevention and information protection.
What is Microsoft 365 Business Premium?
Microsoft 365 Business Premium is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that need enhanced security features and cloud productivity tools but do not require the full range of enterprise-level capabilities that come with E3. It combines core Office apps with additional business management tools, advanced security features, and collaboration tools, including OneDrive, Teams, and Outlook. Business Premium offers essential services for companies with fewer than 300 employees.
Key Differences Between E3 Vs Business Premium
1. Target Audience
The first major difference between E3 and Business Premium is the target audience. E3 is primarily designed for larger enterprises with complex needs, while Business Premium is ideal for SMBs (small-to-medium-sized businesses) that need a more affordable solution but still want to benefit from a range of productivity and security tools.
2. Core Features
Both E3 and Business Premium provide users with access to core Office apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. However, E3 offers additional enterprise-level tools such as advanced email security, compliance tools, and IT management features. Business Premium provides essential security features, including Microsoft Defender and Intune for device management, but lacks some of the more complex enterprise functionalities offered by E3.
3. Security and Compliance
Security is one of the biggest differences between E3 and Business Premium. E3 includes advanced security features such as Azure Information Protection, Microsoft Defender for Identity, and more sophisticated encryption tools. Businesses with E3 also benefit from tools like Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), which safeguards against phishing, malware, and other cyber threats.
On the other hand, Business Premium includes a robust set of security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), email encryption, and device management via Microsoft Intune. However, it lacks the more advanced compliance tools that come with E3, making it less suitable for industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as healthcare or finance.
4. Storage and Collaboration
Both plans include OneDrive for cloud storage, but E3 offers more generous storage limits, with each user receiving 1 TB of personal cloud storage and up to 5 TB of additional storage per user. Business Premium offers 1 TB of storage per user, which may be enough for most SMBs but might fall short for larger organizations with higher storage needs.
In terms of collaboration, both plans include Teams for seamless communication, as well as SharePoint for document management and collaboration. E3 users gain access to additional collaboration features like enhanced SharePoint capabilities, which are better suited for large teams and enterprises requiring complex workflows.
5. IT Administration and Management
E3 offers advanced IT management tools, such as Windows Autopilot for device provisioning, Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) for enterprise-level identity management, and more granular user management options. These tools are crucial for larger businesses that need to control and manage a wide variety of devices, applications, and users.
In contrast, Business Premium includes basic IT management features such as the ability to set up device management through Intune, but it doesn’t offer the same level of customization or control as E3. This makes Business Premium ideal for smaller teams that need simplicity and ease of use, but less suitable for businesses that require more extensive IT infrastructure management.
6. Pricing
Price is another important factor when deciding between E3 and Business Premium. Microsoft 365 E3 is priced higher than Business Premium due to its more advanced features and enterprise-level tools. As of the latest pricing (subject to change), E3 costs around $36 per user per month, while Business Premium is priced at $22 per user per month. Businesses should consider their size, budget, and feature requirements when choosing between these two plans.
Which Plan is Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right Microsoft 365 plan depends on the specific needs of your business. If you run a small or medium-sized business and need a cost-effective solution that includes essential productivity tools and security features, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is a great choice. It offers most of the features required to keep your business running smoothly without the complexity and additional cost of enterprise-level tools.
However, if your business is larger, has more complex security needs, or operates in a highly regulated industry, Microsoft 365 E3 may be the better option. It provides comprehensive security and compliance tools, advanced IT management capabilities, and more storage, making it a strong choice for enterprises that need enterprise-grade solutions.
FAQs: E3 Vs Business Premium
1. What is the main difference between Microsoft 365 E3 and Business Premium?
The main difference is that Microsoft 365 E3 is designed for larger enterprises with advanced IT, security, and compliance needs, while Business Premium is tailored for small to medium-sized businesses with more basic requirements.
2. Does Microsoft 365 E3 include advanced security features?
Yes, E3 includes advanced security features such as Microsoft Defender, Azure Information Protection, and Advanced Threat Protection, which are ideal for larger businesses with complex security requirements.
3. Can I upgrade from Business Premium to E3?
Yes, businesses can easily upgrade from Business Premium to E3 as their needs evolve. Microsoft allows businesses to transition between plans as necessary, providing a flexible solution as your organization grows.
4. Is Microsoft 365 Business Premium suitable for a startup?
Yes, Microsoft 365 Business Premium is an excellent option for startups or small businesses. It offers essential tools for productivity, security, and collaboration at an affordable price point, making it a great choice for new businesses.
5. Does E3 include Windows 10/11 licensing?
Yes, Microsoft 365 E3 includes licensing for Windows 10/11 Enterprise, offering advanced features for device management, security, and productivity. Business Premium does not include Windows OS licensing.
6. How do storage limits differ between E3 and Business Premium?
Microsoft 365 E3 provides 1 TB of OneDrive storage per user with up to 5 TB of additional storage, while Business Premium offers 1 TB of storage per user with no additional storage included.
Conclusion
In summary, both Microsoft 365 E3 and Business Premium are powerful subscription plans that offer essential productivity and collaboration tools. E3 is better suited for larger enterprises with more complex security, compliance, and IT management needs, while Business Premium is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective solution with basic but robust features. Evaluate your business’s needs and choose the plan that best aligns with your requirements and budget.